When a family member or loved dies it leads to a decision about how best to lay that person to their final resting place, a decision that involves the whole family’s wishes and normally involves a traditional burial or cremation service. However, that’s not the only solution out there; in fact there are a number of alternatives that you may feel reflects the wishes of the deceased and provide better, more fitting care for them.

Cryomation

Cyromation is an automated process whereby the deceased body is lowered into liquid nitrogen up to a temperature of -196°C. This process relies on pressure to break up the human body into smaller particles; this allows for the separation and eventual removal of foreign materials from the body.

After this, further chemical and freeze drying techniques produce sterile granular remains which are void of any bacterial residue.

Incinerator Replacement Technology Ltd is a funeral company that specialises in producing Cryomator units, which are used throughout this process and requires no human intervention whatsoever, eliminating the risk of cross contamination and ensuring that the process is completely clean.

Cryomation offers a greener alternative to traditional cremation, and the remains of the deceased require considerably less land for burial.

Alkaline Hydrolysis

The body placed inside a specialist machine and then covered with an alkaline-based solution with a high pH; this effectively disposes of human remains whilst producing less carbon dioxide and other pollutants that are normally associated with cremations. After allowing time for the chemical reaction to take place, attendants then take the bones, wash them, take them out and form them into a fine white powder. Whilst the entire process lasts much longer than a standard cremation – anywhere between eight and twelve hours – environmental downsides and pollution are much reduced.

In short, the process is design to mimic the stages that the body goes through naturally during decomposition. Whilst a number of companies offer this service as an alternative to cremation it has yet to become a patented method of disposal of human remains.

Cryonic Preservation

A method normally associated more with science fiction than with reality, cryonic preservation is nevertheless a means for many people of preserving themselves until medical technology has advanced enough in the future to revive them. Around 270 people have thus far been put through this process as of 2013, and each of these is stored in a specially designed liquid nitrogen tank at a balmy -196°C.

The process itself involves a rapid cooling of the body immediately after death. Although procedures are carried out exclusively in the United States, a number of supporting organisations in the UK can prepare the body as a preliminary stage and then transport it to the US in order to undergo the full procedure.

Mummification

Not from Ancient Egypt, but from contemporary America comes the method of modern mummification, offered by Summum, a religious organisation who believe that this process offers the “only form of permanent preservation”. Whilst their service is not available in the UK, Summum do accept bodies shipped from the UK and only asks for a donation of £45000, in addition to covering the expense of shipping the body to the U.S. and back to the UK.

Whilst some reports have suggested that people were mummified by Summum, the majority of mummifications thus far have been carried out on deceased pets in accordance with the wishes of their owners.

Memorial Reefs

Another option comes again from organisations based in the United States. Two of these, private companies Eternal Reefs and Neptune Reefs, specialise in providing memorial reefs for the deceased. An Eternal Reef is an artificial, man-made coral reef, whereby families can give their loved one to the ocean and create a vibrant and environmentally sustainable habitat for marine life to prosper.

The casting of the reef is carried out in near to the designated reef site, and can be accompanied by a full and fitting ceremony. A plaque, including a personally designed inscription from the family of the deceased, can also be fixed onto the reef.

Family and loved ones have the option of being as involved as they want to, and can personalise the top of the reef with their own “hand” prints, as well as mix the remains of the loved one into the concrete itself in order to create the “Pearl” centre piece that fits inside the reef ball. At the end of the process, the reef is cast into its designated spot, and in time will come to provide habitats for a diverse range of aquatic animals who may otherwise not be able to survive due to their natural habitats being destroyed.

Whilst this service is an exclusively American one, ashes from the UK can be used is the proper methods for transportation are observed.

For more information you can visit the Eternal Reefs website at Eternal Reefs

What Our Families Say Of Us

I would like to say a massive thank you for your help and kindness to which you showed to me and the family on the loss of Ron.
Everything was very organised and done with the utmost care and professionalism.
Every detail was superb, the whole team made a very difficult and emotional time much easier to manage.
Once again many thanks to everyone for the respect, dignity and caring shown to our much loved dad Ron

Lesley, Karen and Pauline Capper

Mr Hogg, I just want to thank you very much, you are not a big man, but a giant in personna, they say pride is a sin, but when you said follow me, I felt proud and you gave me confidence.
Everyone has said it was a superb service and I would walk along Pallion Road with an advertising placard, but you definitely do not need it.
It has helped me come to terms with the loss of my beloved husband and can never thank you enough

Mrs B Grieves

Thank you for your care and support during this difficult time.
My sincere gratitude for everything you did. It was perfect.
You said ”We will be with you every step of the way”,,,, How true you were with those kind words.

Angela, Ray, Daniel and Faye Parkinson

I would just like to thank you and your team for all you have done for Jimmy and our family.
When dad passed away you came and took all the stresses away. It was a beautiful day, one we will never forget.
22 years ago the Hogg Family took care of Frank Canavanagh, then Molly.
No change, still as compassionate as ever. We as a family would look no further than to use this beautiful family business for all our needs.

Late Mrs Breen

I would like to thank you for your kind generosity and amazing support from you and your team.
From the first telephone call to the first time we met when Jasmine fell asleep, I knew we made the right choice to use John g hogg.
Your team done everything and more to help and support us through this difficult time. We cannot thank you enough.
Colin and all the family

Colin Purvis and Family

Our Pledge

“Many of us at John G Hogg have unfortunately been where you are right now. We have lost people who have been close family members and dear friends. It is inevitable that at some point in our lives we will all experience the hurt, pain and distress of losing someone we love and care for.

"We are here to help, support and guide you and your family through this sad and difficult time. We take away some of the burden that bereavement can leave behind, and allow you to grieve with your family, while we carry out the funeral arrangements for your loved one.”